Obituary of Dayle Marie Tucker

Dayle Marie Tucker, age 79, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2021 in Solon, Iowa. **Please note the service date change since this obituary was originally published.** Dayle’s family will receive guests at the Gay and Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service (2720 Muscatine Ave., Iowa City) on Monday, January 10th, from 5-7 pm. A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, January 11th at 10 am, also at the funeral home. Dayle Hughes was born March 6, 1942, in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Perry and Dorothy (Baker) Hughes. She grew up the oldest of 7 children and enjoyed her childhood in Iowa City’s Goosetown neighborhood. She graduated from Iowa City High in 1960, and always the Little Hawk, loved to sing the City High fight song to her “future West High Trojan” grandchildren. Dayle married Bill Tucker on February 13, 1965. For 31 years they enjoyed traveling, attending UI Mens Basketball games, and just spending time together. She spent most of her life in Iowa City but did live in Burlington for 14 years when Bill’s job took the family there. She returned to Iowa City in 1996, following his untimely death. Dayle had a few different careers in her lifetime and ended up enjoying all of them. Her love of reading led her to spend most of the 1960s at the Iowa City Public Library (ICPL), predominantly in administrative roles. She mostly stayed at home with her children in the 70s and early 80s, with a short stint at the UIHC Business Office during that time. In the mid-80s she went to work for Wellmark BC/BS, and worked there as a customer service representative until her retirement in 2004. In her retirement, she returned to the ICPL, and volunteered at the Book End (ICPL’s used bookstore). Dayle was a very quiet, curious and gentle soul. She had a deep desire to broaden her horizons, especially through travel. Whether it was a trip with her family or friends, she was always ready to pack her bags and go on an adventure. Dayle saw most of the Continental US, with Cape Cod, MA, being her favorite destination. She also traveled to Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Europe and Egypt (archaeology was another interest of hers). The family vacations she took her kids and grandkids on were especially memorable, and a true gift to the family. Another favorite pastime of hers was reading. As a Nana she was always reading to her grandchildren and taking them to the library or to Barnes and Noble for a day out. The grandkids also fondly remember her Back to School shopping trips and the holiday dinners at her house. She had a great fashion sense, and always looked very stylish. Dayle also wasn’t afraid to share her thoughts on others’ fashion choices. Finally, she loved animals, with elephants and dogs being her favorite ones. Dayle’s family includes her cherished children: Brad Tucker and Holly (Fran) Ernst; grandchildren: Coleman Riss, Cate Tucker, Annie Riss, Joe Tucker, Maggie Tucker, Caroline Tucker, Lauren Ernst, Lily Ernst and Luke Ernst; siblings: Mary Voss, Barb Richards, John (Stacey) Hughes, Terri Miller and Bill Hughes, and a special cousin, Brenda Schintler. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; infant sister, Susan Hughes; and parents, Perry and Dorothy. In lieu of flowers memorial condolences in Dayle’s honor are suggested to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or the Iowa City Animal Shelter. Her children would like to extend a special thank you to the people who cared for, or simply spent time with her over the last 6 years: the Coffee Club girls (especially Carol), childhood friend Yvonne, cousin Brenda, the staff at Solon Care Center, and her sister Terri. You all meant so much to her, and she truly enjoyed your company.